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Earn a Degree in the Culinary Arts

Earn a Degree in the Culinary Arts

According to the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts official site, "A culinary diploma or degree signifies that a student has invested time to successfully complete a course of study from a food or hospitality-focused program." If you seek a career in the culinary arts, a diploma or associate's degree in this field will train you on preparing food, creating recipes and customer service.

Indeed.com notes, "If you enjoy working with food, then it may benefit you to learn about the types of culinary degrees and jobs you can pursue. " One thing to know at the start of your Culinary Arts journey?

Degree programs in this specialty may be harder to find as they aren't offered as much as more popular degree programs. That said, culinary degree programs do exist and some private colleges may offer advanced degrees in the culinary arts in addition to diplomas and associate's degrees.

Certificate Programs in Culinary Arts

A Certificate in Culinary Arts is a great opportunity to become an expert in the field in a minimal amount of time. Students can earn abundant valuable skills and hone their culinary craft while earning a certificate to start their careers. Students can earn a certificate as a standalone program or with an undergraduate degree.

Culinary Arts programs and schools specializing in the culinary arts have been steadily growing in popularity as students search for a school and career path that fits their educational and career aspirations.

Culinary students learn skills essential to their career, such as:
  • Cooking techniques
  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Preparation and presentation
  • Professional kitchen equipment skills
  • Characteristics of major cuisines
  • Menu development
  • Gastronomy
  • Wine Studies
  • Line cook processes
  • Kitchen staff management
  • Food and beverage cost and control
Ready to start your Certificate in Culinary Arts? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Park City Culinary Institute- Offers Certificates in Pastry and Baking, and Cuisine. Park City Culinary also offers a Professional Certificate in the Culinary Arts. Park City Culinary Institute is located in Utah and has many online opportunities. This school is eligible for the use of the GI Bill for On-Campus Classes.

Contra Costa College- Offers several certificates including Basic Food Service, Classical/Modern Food Prep and Restaurant Training, Restaurant Management, and Pastry + Baking Skills. This school is eligible for the use of the GI Bill.

George Mason University- Offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Food and Beverage Management. George Mason participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts students will acquire the skills to think critically, creatively, and independently about a variety of culinary topics. Students will also reach basic educational benchmarks typical for baccalaureate matriculation.

An Associate Degree in Culinary Arts prepares students for career success and leadership roles as well as further educational endeavors should they choose to continue with a Bachelor’s degree.

Ready to start your Associate Degree in Culinary Arts? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Contra Costa College- Offers an Associate of Science Degree in Classical/Modern Food Preparation and Restaurant Training. CCC also offers an AS in Pastry and Baking Skills. This school is eligible for the use of the GI Bill.

Jobs with a Certificate or Degree in Culinary Arts

Are There Advanced Degrees in the Culinary Arts?

Typically Culinary Arts degrees are offered at the certificate or associates' degree levels. There are a handful of culinary schools that may offer more advance options such as Culinary Institute of America. But the majority of these programs seem to offer certificates, diplomas or associate's degrees.